NFL Plans Additional Games in Australia After 2026 Debut

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Friday that the league intends to hold additional regular-season games in Australia beyond its debut matchup there next year, signaling a long-term commitment to the market. The first such game, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will be September 11 local time due to the time zone difference.

Speaking to reporters at the stadium, Goodell emphasized the NFL's investment in Australia as a strategic move rather than a temporary event. "There's no question that we're going to be playing here again," he said. "Our view is that we're coming here for the long term. We don't come as one-offs. This isn't a circus. This is something that's an investment in this market, and we believe that this is long term and will be great for the NFL long term." When pressed on a potential return as soon as the 2027 season, Goodell replied, "It might."

Ticket sales for the game underscore the enthusiasm in Australia and beyond. Public tickets went on sale Wednesday and sold out within minutes, with buyers from 35 countries joining queues online. The NFL reserved some for...